Job: INTERN - Political Affairs and Partnerships Section - Office of the Director-General, I

Department/ Office

United Nations Office at Geneva

Duty Station

GENEVA

Posting Period

23 September 2013-23 October 2013

Job Opening number

13-ADM-UNOG-30921-R-GENEVA (O)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The internship is located in the Political Affairs and Partnerships Section,

Office of the Director-General, UNOG. The intern will be under the overall supervision of the Chief of Section and under the daily guidance of the Professional Officer in the Section. The duration of the internship is for three months and could be extended for another three months. The internship is not paid and full-time interns work for five days per week.

The estimated starting date is 28 October / 1 November 2013.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Section and under the daily guidance of the Professional Officer in the Section, the incumbent:

• Assists in production of Annual Report of the United Nations Office at Geneva throughout the different stages of the process, including concept design, compilation of inputs, background research and proofreading and editing of drafts.
• Researches, drafts and updates country profiles and other background in preparation for the presentation of credentials to the Director-General or other meetings with high-level dignitaries;
• Monitors and carries out research on topical issues in international affairs and prepares background papers and analysis for the Section;
• Monitors and carries out research on developments within the United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies and other international organizations, in particular the Geneva-based entities, and prepares background notes for the attention of the Chief of Section; upon request, attends meetings of United Nations entities; prepares summaries and analysis of the discussions;
• Monitors and carries out research on Swiss-based academic and research institutions, think tanks and foundations and prepares background notes for the attention of the Chief of Section; upon request, attends meetings and prepares summaries;
• Participates in the planning and organization of seminars, workshops and other events with external partners, including, inter alia, undertaking background research; identifying speakers and invitees; preparing invitations; liaising with speakers; responding to queries and providing relevant information to invitees; and assisting in the general administration of the individual event;
• Monitors the web pages of the Political Affairs, External Relations and Inter-Agency Affairs Section and recommends changes and updates, as appropriate; prepares material for the web upon request;
• As requested, drafts and prepares routine correspondence for the Section;
• Assists in the administration of the institutional memory of the Section, including updating databases of country profiles and other material, as necessary;
• Carries out any other ad hoc tasks, as may be required by the Chief of Section and /or the Professional Officers in the Section.
• Compulsory requirements include: ability to speak, read and draft in both English and French, background in international and/or communications affairs.

Competencies

COMMUNICATION:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed TEAMWORK:
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
• Places team agenda before personal agenda
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings time, -Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated

CLIENT ORIENTATION:

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be 'clients ' and seeks to see things from clients' point of view
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect
• Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions
• Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems
• Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects
• Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client

Education

• Applicants must be enrolled in a post-graduate degree in a graduate school and will hold a BA degree in the area of International Relations, Development studies, International Science, Politics, Communications and other related areas.
• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitement to the ideals of the Charter.
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Work Experience

• Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.

Languages

• Ability to speak, read and draft in both English and French, (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

• Candidates will be assessed based on their Personel History Profiles (PHP). Individual interviews may be conducted by the Chief of Political and Partnerships Section, directly for further consideration.

Special Notice

A complete online application (Cover Note and Personal History profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The cover Note must include:

• Title of degree you are currently pursuing;
• Graduation date (when will you be graduating from the programme);
• List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in;
• Explain why you are the best candidate for the internship position.

In your Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experience, if any; IT skills and three (3) references.

Due to high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.

More Info and Application